A combined team of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully carried out an operation in Tagum City on January 31, 2025, resulting in the neutralization of two wanted individuals, Norman Saquin and Rozendel Cañete. Both suspects were believed to be part of a gun-for-hire group and faced multiple charges for murder and illegal possession of firearms.
The operation was part of heightened efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly 2025 national and local elections. The AFP and PNP had been gathering intelligence to identify and locate individuals who could disrupt the upcoming elections. Acting on warrants, the joint team approached the suspects’ rented unit in Camella Trails subdivision in Barangay Visayan Village. As the team attempted to make the arrests, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout. Saquin was killed in the exchange, while Cañete managed to flee, but was later caught and killed after engaging the operatives in another shootout.
In a separate incident that same evening, another accomplice, Renz Balmaceda, was tracked down within the same subdivision. He also resisted arrest, but was eventually apprehended.
The operation was carried out by various AFP and PNP units, including the 60th Infantry Battalion, 1001st Infantry Brigade, 25th Infantry Battalion, and the Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro Provincial Police Offices.
BGen Ronnie Babac, Commander of the 1001st Brigade, praised the teamwork and commitment shown by the combined forces. He stated that the operation was part of the efforts outlined in COMELEC Resolution No. 11056, which tasks the AFP and PNP with ensuring peace during the election period.
Both BGen Babac and Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, Division Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, commended the swift action of the AFP and PNP personnel involved, stating that their efforts will contribute to safer and more orderly elections in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
